Activision on Call of Duty Duo's New Studio: 'No Surprise' Given 'Myriad of Improper Activities'

Following this morning's announcement of Jason West and Vince Zampella--formerly of Call of Duty series creator Infinity Ward--founding a new development studio dubbed Respawn Entertainment, IW owner Activision has issued a strong response:

This agreement comes as no surprise to Activision given the myriad of improper activities detailed in the cross-complaint filed on Friday against Jason West and Vince Zampella. We look forward to continuing to work with Infinity Ward's deep bench of proven talent on exciting new projects.

The formation of Respawn Entertainment and its publishing relationship with EA Partners comes amidst an increasingly complicated legal dispute between West, Zampella and their former employer Activision. The duoallege that Activision fired them to avoid paying royalties and to assert control over the Modern Warfare franchise made popular by the record-breaking Call of Duty: Modern Warfare games, while Activision claims the two "formed an unlawful pattern and practice of conduct that was designed to steal the [Infinity Ward] studio, which is one of Activision's most valuable assets."